Jeremy Ryan Named WKTV News Director

Heartland Media-owned NBC affiliate WKTV Utica, N.Y. (DMA 171), on Tuesday named Jeremy Ryan news director, effective Sept. 22. Ryan will take over for Steve McMurray, who became the station’s vice president and general manager in March.

Ryan has more than 16 years of experience in broadcasting, including the last nine at CNY Central, the news operations for WSTM (NBC)-WTVH (CBS) Syracuse, N.Y. Most recently he served as news resources manager, where he coordinated assignments and supervised personnel involved with daily newscasts.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jeremy back to WKTV,” said McMurray. Ryan was a newscast director for the station from 1998 to 2001. “Jeremy’s familiarity with the station and the news operations, as well as his experience in the local and regional news business, make him an ideal fit for the position. I have no doubt he will not only maintain the high standards of NewsChannel 2, but will help take the newsroom and the station as a whole to new heights,” McMurray added.

McMurray also announced that he would be stepping aside from anchoring NewsChannel 2 at 6:00 on Sept. 12. Don Shipman will co-anchor the newscast with Kristen Copeland, the team that currently anchors the Live at Five Newshour. Shipman also anchors NewsChannel 2 at 10 on the CW11, and NewsChannel 2 at 11:00 on WKTV. 

McMurray will continue to contribute to the station’s special broadcasts, such as coverage of the Boilermaker Road Race and America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk.